swollen hearts.

the river was swollen like a 

woman's body, pregnant

for one week too long, like her

feet would swell under the weight

of a second life, like her belly would

swell as her child turned over in womb.

swollen woman gave birth

at the swollen river,

thighs stretched apart, 

tree roots taking place of 

companion's warm fingers,

lapping water

becoming a medicine woman's 

sure hands.

and the tide took place

of undertaker,

sweeping away 

blood, and with it,

all life.